Did you miss our spectacularly beautiful walk from Wimbledon to Richmond on the 11th of May? Then make sure not to miss the next one which will take place on Sunday 19th of May.

This walk explores an other area of greenbelt that would have been engulfed by the 1930s expansion of London’s suburbia but for the resistance of local residents. The result is a large chunk of countryside that intrudes into London on the so-called Northern Heights – the hills above and behind the more famous ones of Hampstead and Highgate. At one point on this walk you can actually look down on Alexandra Palace and Highgate Hill, and have the illusion that everything in between is still countryside.

At one point on the walk you can see grazing cattle, and we will visit two villages that still manage to retain their character despite suburban London lapping at their doorsteps. It is a lovely mixed walk with good views, some woodland and the former boating lake of a grand house, now turned to a wooded wetland.

Will you join us on this walk?

How to get there:

We will meet at 9.30 by the Northern line entrance at Elephant and Castle, aiming to get on the Northern line, which should arrive at Totteridge and Whetstone by 10.15.

If this is easier for you, you can also meet us at Totteridge and Whetstone. If you do aim to meet us there, then please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that, so we don’t get all worried that you are not there! 🙂

Totteridge and Whetstone is within the Oyster and 60+ Freedom card zone, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance.

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is on varied terrain, about 8 miles/ 12 kilometres.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy our lunch outside, but if the weather isn’t very attractive for eating outside, there are some places we can stop along the way.

Don’t forget to bring something to drink.

This walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe, so bring your waterproofs and (preferably waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile. I am optimistic about the weather and have a reputation to uphold, so I am counting on sunny weather, so don’t forget to bring a sunhat/cap and sunscreen!

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 13 km.

Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walkers or not, that doesn’t matter, as long as they are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊

Cost:

£10. If you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers I can recommend buying a ten-session card for £89. This card can be used on Explorer walks as well as our other Nordic Walking fitness walks.
(We also lead regular Nordic Walking fitness classes. These happen every weekday in Burgess Park/ Brockwell Park/ Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Park.) If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5
(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me the MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)

Thinking about buying your own?

Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

How to join this walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form: